THE long wait finally came to an end as the Detroit Pistons tasted their first postseason victory in 17 years by beating the New York Knicks, 100-94, in Game 2 of their best-of-seven first-round playoff series on Tuesday (Philippine time), April 22.

Scoring their first playoff win since 2008, the Pistons snapped their NBA-record, 15-game postseason losing streak and in the process evened the series at one-all as they bounced back from their 112-123 Game 1 defeat to steal the series’ homecourt advantage.

Games 3 and 4 will be played in Detroit’s homecourt.

Just like in Game 1, the Pistons led by eight points after three quarters of play in Game 2. This time, the Pistons didn’t crumble as Dennis Schroder sank a three-pointer that broke a 94-all standoff with 55.7 seconds left. Schroder himself iced the contest by splitting his free throws with 8.1 ticks to go.

Schroder was a huge spark off the bench for the Pistons as he put in 20 points, three rebounds, and two assists.

Schroder’s heroics preserved the game-long brilliance of Cade Cunningham, who piled up 33 points and 12 rebounds.

Jalen Brunson erupted for 37 points as the Knicks fell despite having all of their starters scoring twin figures.

Mikal Bridges added 19 points, but missed a potential game-tying triple in the final 11 seconds. Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart each had 10 markers.(CCM)

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